Why Arsenal Star Ben White Was Left Out Of England Squad

England manager Gareth Southgate disclosed that Ben White, a right-back for Arsenal, requested to be left off of the most recent Three Lions roster.

The full-back was shockingly left off of Southgate’s 23-man team for the forthcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, considering his recent outstanding performances with the Gunners. Southgate has disclosed, nevertheless, that Edu, the sporting director of Arsenal, got in touch with him to let him know that White does not want to play right now.

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“Clearly on form I can’t sit here and say he doesn’t deserve to be in. We had a call from Edu last week [and he] said Ben didn’t want to be considered for England squads at this time,” Southgate told reporters on Tuesday.

“For me that is a great shame. He is a player we took to the Euros, a player we took to the World Cup and I spoke to him post-Qatar because I wanted to pick him. He is not available to us and there is no issue between us at all and I also should say there is never any issue with [coach] Steve Holland because that has been mentioned in articles and I don’t like that. I want that door wide open. He would be in this squad but he’s not available to us and I have to focus on who can help us.”

With Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kieran Trippier, and Reece James already sidelined due to injury, Southgate’s choices on the right side of the defence are further reduced as a result of White’s goal to be left off the squad. Within the current roster, Joe Gomez has filled the position of right-back, however Kyle Walker is the only natural right-back.

On March 23, Southgate’s team will play Brazil at Wembley. Three days later, they will play Belgium at home. Meanwhile, Ben White will begin getting ready for Arsenal‘s Premier League matchup against Manchester City on March 31.